Modular Shutter Gardens
Basic information
Project Title
Category
Project Description
Modular shutter gardens allow everyone to have a garden at their windows, particularly people in high-rise apartment blocks without individual balconies. This system is based on individual sustainably manufactured wooden cells containing felt layers that can be attached to shutters and turned 360°, creating a space for plants to grow. The cells improve thermal performance, thanks to the shade, evapotranspiration and extra insulation layer provided by plants, which also reduce air pollution.
Geographical Scope
Project Region
Urban or rural issues
Physical or other transformations
EU Programme or fund
Which funds
Description of the project
Summary
The number of green areas is gradually decreasing in dense urban textures. Living in enclosed spaces in multi-storey buildings disconnects the residents from nature. Increasing real estate prices in crowded cities make even the balconies for those living in high-rise buildings luxury. For many citizens, windows are their only connection to the external world.
In this project, this connection point is used as a tool for residents to interact with nature. The modular shutter gardens functions as a substitute of a balcony garden or a hobby garden. In addition to this basic function, modular shutter gardens have many advantages. For example, because of its cellular structure that can rotate in both directions at every angle, it allows users to control daylight. Moreover, the system improves the thermal performance of windows with effects such as evapotranspiration, shading effect of plants, providing an extra insulation layer. Finally, the plants act as air purifier and provides better quality of the natural ventilation.
Key objectives for sustainability
Modular shutter garden increases the thermal insulation performance of the window. It reduces the building's heating and cooling energy demand. Because of its cellular dynamic structure, the product provides the user with the opportunity of indoor daylight control. Plants play an important role in reducing air pollution with functions such as photosynthesis and the particle-retaining effect of leaves. In addition, they can reduce the urban heat.
With regards to the sustainability of the modular shutter garden system, the manufacturing process should be mentioned in particular. The product is made from fully recyclable, reusable natural materials from the European environment. For example, the frame will be made out of reclaimed larch wood with high durability. The felt for the cells will be made natural wool and will meet EU organic standards. Other substances, such as the walnut oil for the wood, shall also be organically produced and non-toxic to the environment.
The transport effort of the entire supply chain should be kept as low as possible through the regionality of the required materials. In addition, strict attention is to be paid to ensuring that the manufacturing and delivery process follows the model of the German Supply Chain Act.
The production principle of the modular shutter garden system is based on the approach of guaranteeing the longevity of the product. The maintenance process is to be explained to the users in more detail by means of advisory services and information from the manufacturer. When maintenance can no longer be guaranteed, the system can be uninstalled and will be further processed and recycled by the manufacturer.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The design of the modular shutter garden system is primarily functional and oriented towards simplicity for the user. The aesthetic will be created by the users themselves who can plant the individual cells through the given creative freedom. This will provide the residents of the building with the opportunity to participate in the façade design. Moreover, the naturally treated wood and the plants create an aesthetic synergy that should enable the viewer to connect with nature.
The possibility of rotating the individual cells 360° in the central axis allows the user to view the plants at all times and creates a dynamic green façade. Especially during periods when the UV light amount is minimum, such as at night, all the cells can be rotated towards the flat. This creates a new view other than curtains, blinds or darkness for the users. In addition, the system allows the user special daylight control by rotating individual cells by variable angles. The light and shadow play of the plants with the sun and the system itself also give an interesting light ratio and play of colors in the flat.
The experiences of the users can be shared on a web platform in the further development of this project. Through a communication campaign, users will be encouraged to showcase their creations, tell stories about their own lives and their neighborhood. These testimonials can encourage other users to participate and be inspired.
Key objectives for inclusion
The main added value of the modular shutter garden system is to make nature accessible for every citizen in the dense urban tissue. It provides opportunities for the user to create a unique garden due to their preferences within their apartment in the given conditions of the building. This allows the citizens to actively participate in the extension of green areas in their neighborhood and participate to the façade design of their buildings. Moreover, modular shutter garden system can increase the awareness towards the importance of green tissue in the urban biotope.
In terms of applicability the system mainly targets apartments without the access of balconies or gardens. The aim is to reduce the cost and energy demand of production and construction phase of the product without compromising environmental sustainability. Therefore, the product is designed to require a simple installation process. Since it is desired to reduce the amount of natural resource consumption, recyclable, reusable natural materials are used. Furthermore, the cost of transportation will be reduced through local resources and supply lines within Europe. The modular shutter gardens strive to provide comfort and the experience for variable income groups.
Physical or other transformations
Innovative character
The system combines all three dimensions into new synergies through its purpose, design and use. Through a precise and considered choice of natural, recycled or reused materials, the overall CO2 emissions are reduced. At the end of the use phase, a collection service will be set up to collect the used products and evaluate the material in order to recycle or reuse them.
The design of the system is focused on functionality and practicality. It invites the user to determine their own aesthetics. Planting by the user offers new comfort, but also sustainable effects for their own flat. As already mentioned, the plants serve as air filters and improve the thermal performance of one's own household. This reduces the overall energy consumption and thus contributes to the sustainability of the building.
With the launch of the end-user communication platform, social engagement is promoted through a communication campaign. As already explained, the users are to be encouraged to report on the use of the product and additionally to tell something about themselves. Advice from users on maintenance can improve the longevity of the system for all other users. In addition, contributions from the platform operators on maintenance are contributed, so that overall, a sound knowledge base on maintenance is built up.
